Modern folk.
A sixteen track album is good value numerically and a 45 minute length also suggests theres something of note here but what really pushes this album into the realms of worth noticing are the songs and melodies. It's a simple record, theres not many gimmicks or flashes to catch the listeners ear but if laid-back and comfortable music lights your candles, Candidate may be earning your vote.
'Furlough' is the opener on 'Oxengate' and whilst it's a basic tale of love-lost, its rather heart warming introduction and definitely sets the tone for the rest of the record.
'(Going Back To) Amsterdam' is a uplifting, almost jolly hockey sticks, sing-along that recalls the serene and chilled nature of the city, as opposed to the seedier nature that the city also offers. It's a song of hope and the line "On station platforms, soaking wet, wearing clothes we know we'll both regret" positively soars and for all that it doesn't say much, it manages to convey a lot of emotions and ideas within itself.
At times, the close harmonies of the band members brings to mind Talking Heads, particularly the introduction of 'Road To Nowhere' and although musically there is much more in common with folk acts, there is a lot to get excited about and take in.
The core of the band is a three piece but Candidate seem to get by with a little help from their friends and it certainly helps to round out the sound of the record. Musical additions such as trombones, banjos, flutes and an accordion all add to the basic instrumentation and the massed vocals that take the songs to new heights are pretty welcome as well. All in all, it just shows what a little help can do.
'Oxengate' is the bands fifth record and theres an air of confidence and assuredness about the record, nothing seems out of place and although the amount of tracks and the album length has been mentioned as lengthy, the record never outstays its welcome. It manages to remain fresh and light for its entirety and credit is due to the band for mixing things up. For all it sounds rather timid, there are occasional darker moments on songs like 'Avro No. 1' or 'Tiny Tim.' To this writers ears, the heavy guitar strum conjures up the image of Tim Hardin (heck, maybe the name Tim in the title has helped as well) but it all depends on what your knowledge of acoustic music is, it's a big spectrum and theres probably a lot more artists who sound more like Candidate. The important thing is that Candidate sound good in their own right, which surely makes this an album worth sounding out.